The following is issued on behalf of the Action Committee Against Narcotics:
 
     With regard to public concerns over youngsters abusing an emerging drug called "space oil", the Chairman of the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN), Dr Donald Li, said today (November 28) that the ACAN supports the Government's proposal of amending the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance for stepping up the control of etomidate at the earliest opportunity. Etomidate is the main active ingredient of "space oil". The ACAN also welcomes crackdown by the law enforcement agencies (LEAs) on "space oil"-related crimes.
 
     Dr Li said, "I noticed that in recent months, the LEAs have been taking a series of actions targeting 'space oil'. During these actions, the LEAs successfully seized a considerable amount of 'space oil' as well as etomidate, and made multiple arrests. These results not only reflect the LEAs' determination and ability to combat 'space oil'-related crimes but also send a clear message to offenders, especially drug traffickers, that any individuals committing 'space oil'-related crimes will never be able to escape from legal sanctions.
 
     "I appreciate the efforts of the LEAs in combating 'space oil'-related crimes. For the sake of protecting the public from the harms of this emerging drug, the ACAN supports continuing efforts by the LEAs to bring offenders committing 'space oil'-related crimes to justice."
 
     A spokesman for the Security Bureau said, "Legislation and Law Enforcement forms an important part of the Government's multipronged anti-drug strategy. The Government will strive to continue combating 'space oil' at source with a view to cutting off its supply."
 
     The spokesman continued that the LEAs have stepped up various inspections including cyber patrols and have carried out intelligence-based law enforcement actions targetting "space oil". For example, the Customs and Excise Department launched a series of anti-"space oil" operations in November and uncovered nine cases of possession of etomidate. A total of 191 alleged "space oil" infused capsules, and 16 kilograms of alleged etomidate powder that can be used to produce about 48 000 "space oil" infused capsules, were seized. In addition, the Police uncovered 88 "space oil"-related cases and made 132 arrests in the first 10 months of this year.
 
     The spokesman reminded members of the public not to take chances and illegally bring "space oil" into and out of Hong Kong, as well as illegally bring e-liquid into Hong Kong. Offenders are liable to imprisonment upon conviction.
 
     In October this year, the Chief Executive stated in the Supplement to his Policy Address that measures will be proposed to step up the control of etomidate in view of its abuses. In this regard, the Government has already proposed bringing etomidate under tighter control through legislation. Dr Li said, "I fully concur with the Government's proposal to control etomidate under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance; this will deter people from abusing 'space oil', and more severe punishment can be imposed on drug traffickers. The ACAN supports the Government to complete the relevant legislative procedures at the earliest opportunity."
 
     Preventive education and publicity is important in reducing the demand for drugs. The Chairman of the Sub‑committee on Preventive Education and Publicity of the ACAN, Mr Chan Wing-kin, said the ACAN will continue to work with the Government and stakeholders in the anti-drug sector to dispel the misconceptions about "space oil" with a view to preventing the public, especially youngsters, from falling into the trap of this emerging drug unwittingly. He added that the abovementioned work will include briefing teaching staff of schools on techniques for identifying those who abuse "space oil" or other drugs, as well as how to improve the capabilities of frontline workers for handling "space oil" cases.
 
     Mr Chan said, "As a former school principal, I would like to call on colleagues in the education sector to be more vigilant against the vaping of alternative smoking products among students, as this behaviour could be a sign of drug abuse.
 
     "Support and encouragement from family members, teachers and friends have always been the buttress of young people in times when they are fighting against drug temptation. I urge that we should show care to those around us and maintain good communication with them. If we find that people around us are facing difficulties or even suffering from drug abuse, we should lend them a helping hand and encourage them to seek professional help. I also hope that schools can step up their efforts in promoting a healthy lifestyle and fostering a drug-free culture among students."
 
     Those who need assistance from professional social workers or would like to receive more information about "space oil" can message 98 186 186 on instant messaging applications WhatsApp and WeChat, or call the 24-hour hotline 186 186. "Space oil" abusers may also seek assistance from organisations providing drug treatment and rehabilitation services. Their contact details have been uploaded onto this Narcotics Division (ND)'s webpage (www.nd.gov.hk/en/list_of_major_organisations_providing_drug_treatment_and_rehabilitation_services.html).

     In addition, members of the public are welcome to visit the ND's dedicated webpage (www.nd.gov.hk/en/space_oil.html) about "space oil", which contains a "space oil"-themed animated video and other relevant information.

     ​Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Office (GBA Office) hosted three business seminars in Melbourne, Australia, yesterday and today (November 27 and 28) to jointly encourage Australian companies to tap into business opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) through Hong Kong. These seminars attracted an attendance of around 140 representatives from Australian companies and the local business community.
     
     These seminars were co-organised with the Australian Trade and Logistics Corporation, the Australia China Business Council Victorian division, and the Hong Kong Australian Business Association (Victoria Chapter), respectively. The Acting Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Sydney, Mr Timothy Chau, delivered opening remarks in the first two seminars. Assistant Commissioner for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Miss Cathy Li delivered keynote addresses at all the three seminars to introduce to participating enterprises the latest developments of the GBA and the distinctive advantages and business opportunities of Hong Kong as the GBA's international entry point, followed by keynote addresses delivered by Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK Mr Charles Ng. Mr Ng also joined the panel discussions with other speakers in the first two seminars. A representative from the Shenzhen Economic and Trade Office in Australia, Mr Tim Lee, was invited to speak at the last seminar.
     
     Addressing the audiences, Mr Chau said, "As an international financial centre and innovation and technology hub, Hong Kong plays a pivotal role in connecting global businesses with the GBA. The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Sydney will continue to work closely with InvestHK and the GBA Office to promote the business opportunities in the GBA and enable Australian businesses to tap into the huge GBA market via Hong Kong."
     
     Miss Li said, "Under the 'one country, two systems' principle, Hong Kong serves as a 'super-connector' and a 'super value-adder' between the Mainland and the global markets. Hong Kong remains the best gateway for overseas companies to tap into the GBA and the wider Mainland market, and for Mainland firms to go global. No other city can match Hong Kong's level of sophistication of connectivity with the Mainland and global markets. The GBA development has entered a new phase characterised by a higher speed and a broader scope of development. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will continue to sharpen Hong Kong's unique edges, and seek further policy innovation and breakthrough together with Guangdong and Macao, with a view to further enhancing the flow of people, goods, capital and information within the GBA, and creating new opportunities for foreign enterprises in Hong Kong to access the GBA market."
     
     Delivering his keynote address, Mr Ng said, "Hong Kong is the most international city in the GBA and a leading financial, shipping and trade centre, making it an important gateway for Australian companies to access the GBA. There are many ways for them to tap GBA opportunities in and via Hong Kong. For instance, companies can set up research and development operations in Hong Kong, and manufacturing and distribution operations in Mainland GBA cities. They can use Hong Kong as a trading and supple chain hub to export goods to ASEAN markets and beyond. Companies can also gain access to different financing channels and pool of international talent in Hong Kong. We hope the seminars have provided Australian companies fruitful and practical information on how to expand into the GBA via Hong Kong."

            

     The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (November 28) said that subsequent to an earlier announcement that a kind of cheese imported from France might have been contaminated with Yersinia enterocolitica, a follow-up investigation showed that another batch of the affected product has also been imported to Hong Kong. The CFS urged the public not to consume the product concerned, regardless of batches. The trade should stop using or selling the affected product immediately if they possess any of it.

     Product details are as follows:

Product name: Mont d'Or Fruitiere des Jarrons Cheese
Brand: Fruitiere des Jarrons
Place of origin: France
Importer: Noja Fine Trade Limited

     A spokesman for the CFS said, "The CFS noted a notification from the French authorities that the above-mentioned batch of product might have been contaminated with Yersinia enterocolitica and is being recalled. A preliminary investigation found that the above-mentioned importer had imported into Hong Kong the affected batch of the product."

     The importer concerned has stopped sales, removed from shelves the affected product upon the CFS's instructions and has initiated a recall. Members of the public may call the hotline of the importer at 2178 2229 during office hours for enquiries.

     "Yersinia enterocolitica can cause Yersiniosis, which is characterised by common symptoms of gastroenteritis such as fever, diarrhoea (often bloody in young children) and abdominal pain. The bacterium is usually acquired by eating or drinking contaminated food, including undercooked meat, unpasteurised milk products or contaminated water. Anyone can get Yersiniosis, but young children, the elderly, and people with weak immune systems are at a higher risk," the spokesman said.

     The CFS will continue to follow up, closely liaise with the French authorities and take appropriate action. An investigation is ongoing.

     The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (November 28) that a fresh beef sample was found to contain sulphur dioxide, a preservative which is not permitted to be used in fresh meat. The CFS is following up on the incident.

     A spokesman for the CFS said, "The CFS, under its routine Food Surveillance Programme, took the fresh beef sample from a fresh provision shop (FPS) at Homantin Market in Kowloon City for testing. The test result showed that the sample contained sulphur dioxide at a level of 838 parts per million. The CFS is following up with the FPS concerned about the irregularity."

     According to the Preservatives in Food Regulation (Cap. 132BD), it is an offence to add sulphur dioxide to fresh or chilled meat. The maximum penalty is a $50,000 fine and six months' imprisonment.

     Sulphur dioxide is a preservative which can be used in a variety of foods including dried vegetables, dried fruits, pickled vegetables and salted fish products, but under the Regulation it is not permitted in fresh or chilled meat. Individual meat traders have been found illegally using sulphur dioxide to make meat look fresher. Sulphur dioxide is water-soluble, and most of it can be removed through washing and cooking. However, susceptible individuals who are allergic to this preservative may experience breathing difficulties, headaches and nausea after consumption.

     The spokesman reminded the food trade to comply with the law and not to sell fresh or chilled meat adulterated with sulphur dioxide. Members of the public should purchase meat from reliable market stalls or FPSs. They should avoid buying or consuming meat which is unnaturally red and maintain a balanced diet to avoid malnutrition or excessive exposure to chemicals from a small range of food items.

     â€‹The CFS will continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action. The investigation is ongoing.

     â€‹The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, chaired the 17th meeting of the Youth Development Commission (YDC) today (November 28).

     At the meeting, members were briefed by government representatives on initiatives relating to youth development in "The Chief Executive's 2024 Policy Address". Members support the Government's sustained efforts in promoting youth development, and were pleased to note that the Policy Address has introduced a series of measures to expand spaces and network for youths and strengthen the support for young people to develop their potential.

     Apart from implementing at full steam the various youth initiatives in the Youth Development Blueprint (Blueprint), the Government is planning to set up different youth facilities to provide more physical spaces for young people, including a "Youth Post" hostel and spaces for culture, arts and sports exchange in the Kai Tak Community Isolation Facility, a physical platform for members of the Youth Link in the Nam Cheong District Community Centre, conversion of part of the Youth Square to establish a new interactive space and a video studio. Moreover, in order to support young people in their search of future direction, the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau will also launch a new round of the Funding Scheme for Youth Life Planning Activities to sponsor non-governmental organisations in providing enhanced support services with more content relating to national affairs.

     Mr Chan said, "The new Policy Address demonstrates the Government's unwavering commitment to promoting youth development on a long-term and ongoing basis. The Government will continue to work closely with the YDC and bring together all sectors of society to take forward the various youth development measures stated in the Policy Address and the Blueprint, and create more opportunities for young people to thrive."